Athletic device.



E. M. SMITH.

APPLICATION TILED MAR 111111 1.

1,035,252, Patented Aug. 13, 1912.

EDWIN M. SMITH, OF MARTIN, MICHIGAN.

ATHLETIC DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 9, 1911.

Patented Aug. 13, 1912.

Serial No. 613,229.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN M. SMITH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Martin, county of Allegan, State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Athletic Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in athletic devices.

The main objects of this invention are to provide an improved athletic device which is adapted for use incontests of strength, skill and endurance, and one which is also very desirable for gymnasium work, that is work for physical development.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details, will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification.

The invention is clearly defined pointed out in the claim.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification, in which:

Figure I is a plan of my improved athletic device. Fig. II is a cross section taken on a line corresponding to line 2-2 of Fig. I. Fig. III is a cross section taken on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Fig. I.

In the drawings, similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines.

Referring to the drawing, my improved athletic device consists of a bar 1, which is preferably round in cross section and tapered from the center toward each end as illustrated. The bar is provided with a plurality of hand hold portions 2 at each end and with bead-like annular flanges 3 at the inner ends of the hand hold portions. The hand hold portions and the bead-like annular flanges 3 are preferably formed integrallyv with the bar, by turning the same up from a stick of suitable dimensions. The hand holds are arranged in pairs, one hand and Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the hold of each pair being disposed at each side of the center of the bar, the relative positions of the hand holds at one end of the bar being the reverse of their position at the other. One pair, in the structure illustrated. is indicated by the numeral 1 on the bar, the other pair being indicated by the numeral 2.

In use the contestants stand facing each other, one contestant grasping the pair of hand holds 1 and the other the hand holds 2. Suitable rules are provided for the contest which may however be very greatly varied. The flange members 3 at the inner ends of the hand holds add very materially to the security of gripping hold, when the hands are properly positioned to take advantage thereof. They further serve the purpose of end guards for the hand holds and when narrow and of the form indicated, prevent shifting of the hand in the control, thus insuring equality and a fair contest.

My improved athletic bar or device, is designed by me for use in contests of strength and skill and endurance and also for gymnasium work, for the purpose of physical development. WVhen the proper rules are observed an interesting and varied contest involving strength, skill, quickness and endurance is possible. The device is also very desirable for gymnasium or physical culture purposes.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

An athletic device consisting of a bar, round in cross section and having two integral hand hold portions at each end, there being an annular bead-like dividing flange at the inner end of each hand hold portion,

.the outer hand holds being plain.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two winesses.

EDIVIN M. SMITH.

"Commissioner of Patents.

Washington, D. G. 

